[February 4, 2017] During my time in the U.S. Army and since retirement, I’ve had the pleasure to talk with hundreds of students at universities across the United States; those who want to become members of the military. While they are some of the “best of the best,” there is always a piece of advice I give them; you need to face your weaknesses.
Frankly, I often get a funny look when I tell them that. I’m sure they’re saying in their head, yeah right; this guy is just blowing smoke. I can understand their reaction and they are probably thinking exactly what I would have thought. What I know is that most people joining the military have rarely had their weaknesses exposed. When it happens, their reaction is often disbelief, anger, resentment, or a combination of all three.
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” – Thomas A. Edison, American inventor and businessman
Many who join the U.S. military think they will have an easy time of it; that it’s just like any other job. I’m disappointed they are misled to believe in this and they will soon face the prospect that any weakness they have will be exposed for all to see. Better to know in advance (and do something about it) than to find out the hard way.
They are not unlike me; I have several major weaknesses that nearly got me thrown out of the military a number of times. Besides being headstrong and quick tempered, I really don’t like people telling me what to do; a distinctive disadvantage in the Army. That’s a serious flaw but I control it. There are other weaknesses like I’m terrible with paperwork; a drawback in such a large bureaucracy.
For those who wish to join the military or to be something greater than they are, I recommend an immediate and honest assessment of their weaknesses. This cannot be done alone because we are blind to many of our personal weaknesses; a common human condition. Young adults also rarely have friends who are knowledgeable enough or have the moral courage sufficient to provide the feedback necessary.
This is a challenge of magnitude that requires going outside one’s circle of family and friends. The feedback on one’s weaknesses can be either anonymous or from those selectively chosen to provide it. I recommend consulting with someone older and wiser. Regardless of how it’s done, it must be done so that it can be resolved as best as possible.
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